The Sigma 150-500mm ultra-telephoto zoom lens covers a telephoto range of up to 500mm, letting you bring almost any subject close for short-perspective shots. The lens employs Sigma’s original Optical Stabilizer (OS) function, which gives you access to shutter speeds approximately four stops slower without blurring the image. As a result, you can capture low-light, long-distance shots such as football plays, wildlife profiles, and landscape scenes without using a tripod for each photo. In addition, the lens incorporates a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for quick, high-speed autofocusing, along with a rear focus system that guarantees optimum image quality throughout the entire zoom range. And photographers will love the three special low dispersion (SLD) glass elements, which correct for chromatic aberration, and the super multilayer lens coating, which reduces flare and ghosting. Other details include an option for full-time manual focusing, a close focusing distance of 86.6 inches, and an 86mm filter size. Compatible with optional 1.4x and 2x tele converters–which produce a 210-700mm length or 300-1000mm length respectively–the Sigma 150-500mm lens carries a one-year warranty.

Specifications

Focal length: 150-500mm

Maximum aperture: f/5-6.3

Lens construction: 21 elements in 15 groups

Angle of view: 16.4 to 5 degrees

Number of diaphragm blades: 9

Minimum aperture: f/22

Minimum focusing distance: 86.6 inches

Maximum magnification: 1:5.2

Filter size: 86mm

Hood type: Bayonet

Mount: Canon

Dimensions: 3.7 inches in diameter and 9.9 inches long

Weight: 67.4 ounces

Warranty: 1 year

This Sigma APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG HSM is an ultra telephoto zoom lens that allows photographers to freely explore the flexibility of a telephoto zoom lens. For sports or nature photographers who relish this flexibility the Sigma 150-500mm is unsurpassed with 25% more reach than the smaller 120-400mm, this lens is perfect for the photographer working at long distances and with subjects such as backyard birds or small wildlife. This unique lens is an excellent optical performer featuring three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements for optimum color correction and sharpness throughout the entire zoom range, rear focusing system corrects for fluctuation of aberration due to focusing and Optical Stabilization and high speed Hyper-Sonic Motor to help you take the eye-catching photographs you’re meant to. Compatible with the Sigma APO Tele Converters.

I am thrilled to have bought this lens to mount on my Nikon D80 after having read loads of reviews on the few options available like the Sigma 50-500 or the Nikon 135-400 and 80-400. I wanted the longest possible range below $1,500 in a recognizable Brand. I narrowed my choice to the 50-500 or this one. The Optical Stabilizer and the fact that Sigma had proven itself with the 50-500 were the determining factors in my decision. So far I shot some 200 pictures of various subjects at various distances handholding the camera with the OS turned on. Half way through my shots I reverted from full manual mode to Aperture control and noticed an improvement in the sharpness and colors which tells me that I need to hone my skills with this lens. So far, I am amazed at the quality of my shots with this huge glass. I take all my pictures with a -.7 exposure compensation as I like very vivid pictures and until I develop a better feel for what the lens can do I will continue to used it with Aperture control. The Autofocus is smooth, the overall feel is quality and the pictures are phenomenal for the distance. I look forward to plenty of fun with this lens, if you go for it you won’t regret it.

UPDATE: In response to the person who rated this lens three stars I would like to quote David Bush’s book “Nikon D80 Digital Field Guide” where he states “most lenses produce their sharpest image approximately two stops less than wide open. For example, if you’re using a zoom lens with an f/4 maximum aperture, it probably has its best resolution and least distortion at roughly f/8”. I’ve practiced David’s suggestion with my Sigma 150-500 and it works beautifully, but like everything else, it takes some time to getting used to unless you’re a professional photographer then you’d know this before hand. I added a few recent pictures shown above as part of this review.

I purchased my lens from B&H and it came in Sigma’s black nylon zipped box which keeps the lens practically immobile. The box was very safely packaged when it arrived.